Maldives Imposes Ban on Israeli Nationals Amid Gaza Conflict

The Maldives has enacted a significant change to its immigration policy by prohibiting entry to individuals holding Israeli passports. This decision is a direct response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and reflects the nation's solidarity with the Palestinian population.

The legislative decision was finalized on April 16, 2025, after the People's Majlis, the Maldivian parliament, approved an amendment to the Maldives Immigration Act. President Mohamed Muizzu subsequently ratified the amendment, highlighting the government's commitment to addressing what it describes as atrocities committed in the region.

Although the Maldives does not maintain full diplomatic relations with Israel, it has previously allowed Israeli tourists to visit its renowned resorts and scenic islands. This ban is particularly noteworthy as the Maldives has a history of fluctuating relations with Israel, having lifted a previous ban on Israeli visitors in the early 1990s.

President Muizzu's office stated that the ratification of the ban represents a firm stance against the perceived ongoing acts of violence against the Palestinian people. The Maldivian government has received increasing pressure from both political allies and the opposition to take a more decisive stand regarding the conflict in Gaza.

In the wake of the ratification, the exact date for the implementation of this ban has yet to be announced. The move comes as part of a broader trend among several predominantly Muslim nations in South Asia responding to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Bangladesh recently prohibited its citizens from visiting Israel, and other countries in the region, such as Iraq and Pakistan, have similar restrictions in place for Israeli passport holders.

Official reports indicate that only a small number of Israeli tourists, approximately 59, visited the Maldives in February 2025, in contrast to over 214,000 other foreign tourists during the same period. The relatively low number of Israeli visitors highlights the impact of the ongoing conflict on travel and tourism in the region.

As tensions continue to escalate in Gaza, the Maldives' decision resonates with a broader geopolitical sentiment among nations advocating for Palestinian rights and sovereignty. The situation remains fluid, and the international community is closely watching how these developments will unfold.